The "Truth" Behind the 'Toons
Jen Sayre, SLM 521, Drop-In #1
Introduction: Political Cartoons have
been used throughout history to display the artist's viewpoint on a
particular issue. You can continue to find political cartoons in
use today, especially in relation to current events (9-11, war on
terror, election 2004, etc.) As you observe and interpret
political cartoons, take this word of caution: political
cartoons can show a person's biased
or one-sided opinion. Look for symbols and labels to help you
understand the author's stance on a certain topic.
Your Mission: 1. Look at the following links to political cartoons. In order for you to view the cartoon, you must click in the blank space on the page. If you click on the political cartoon itself, you can zoom in and move around to get a better look.
"He Doesn't See Them" - Political Cartoon by Frederick T. Richards, August 5, 1916.
- Date visited 9/28/04 http://www.boondocksnet.com/gallery/clmorris022.html
"You Don't Know When You Are Well Off, Ma'am" - Political Cartoon by William C. Morris, December 1909. - Date visited 9/28/04 http://www.boondocksnet.com/gallery/suf_091200a.html
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the questions below for EACH cartoon.
1. What event or issue is depicted in the cartoon?
2. Describe any symbols...What do you think they represent?
(Hint: They may already be labeled!!)
3. What is the cartoonist trying to say about this event/issue??
4. Do you agree or disagree with the cartoonist's standpoint?? Explain.
The Next Step: Become a cartoonist!! Draw a political cartoon that depicts any event/issue that we have covered so far in class. Be sure to include symbols and labels (when necessary). BE CREATIVE! Put your political cartoon on the back of your question sheet.
Extension Activity: Find an example of a political cartoon in the editorial section of a newspaper. Try to answer the questions from above, using that cartoon. How are political cartoons different between the past and the present?? How are they similar?
Your Mission: 1. Look at the following links to political cartoons. In order for you to view the cartoon, you must click in the blank space on the page. If you click on the political cartoon itself, you can zoom in and move around to get a better look.
"He Doesn't See Them" - Political Cartoon by Frederick T. Richards, August 5, 1916.
- Date visited 9/28/04 http://www.boondocksnet.com/gallery/clmorris022.html
"You Don't Know When You Are Well Off, Ma'am" - Political Cartoon by William C. Morris, December 1909. - Date visited 9/28/04 http://www.boondocksnet.com/gallery/suf_091200a.html
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the questions below for EACH cartoon.
1. What event or issue is depicted in the cartoon?
2. Describe any symbols...What do you think they represent?
(Hint: They may already be labeled!!)
3. What is the cartoonist trying to say about this event/issue??
4. Do you agree or disagree with the cartoonist's standpoint?? Explain.
The Next Step: Become a cartoonist!! Draw a political cartoon that depicts any event/issue that we have covered so far in class. Be sure to include symbols and labels (when necessary). BE CREATIVE! Put your political cartoon on the back of your question sheet.
Extension Activity: Find an example of a political cartoon in the editorial section of a newspaper. Try to answer the questions from above, using that cartoon. How are political cartoons different between the past and the present?? How are they similar?